Keywords

Rights

Creative Commons License

Abstract

In a recent report, Canadian children received an overall "F" grade in Physical Activity Level (AHK, 2010). Contributing to this failing grade is a lack of time spent engaging in physically active play. As imagery has proven to be an effective motivational tool in the exercise setting (e.g., Hausenblas et al., 1999), the present study sought to qualitatively investigate children's use of active play imagery. Using self-determination theory as a motivational framework, gender differences were also examined. One hundred and four children aged 7-14 years (n= 48 male; n= 56 female) participated in focus group discussions guided by three basic psychological needs (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness) proposed within basic needs theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000). Thematic analysis resulted in three hierarchical trees revealing children's use of active play imagery as it satisfies the three basic needs. Several gender differences were also noted at the lower levels of analysis.